Manhood Restored

Episode 35 - Power Play

Progressing to the letter "P", the third topic in his "M.A.P.S." series, Ben takes a look at another one of the biggest traps men face today:  power.  It's a trap that puts many influential men on the front pages for the worst reasons.  It's also a trap many of us think, based on our life circumstances, that we'd never get caught up in.  Lest we be deceived, the Tim-tation to power lurks everywhere.  Essential question for this episode:  how do we avoid the pitfalls that come with power?

Ben's the captain, issuing body checks and calling the formations for the episode.  Chad protects the goal by sending opponents to the penalty box, as the two shuffle out onto this topic's thin ice.  Is it possible to gain and maintain power while also staying humble?  How can things like personal isolation, lack of accountability, and concern with external appearance lead to abuse of power?  What is the proper end or purpose of power for those given the responsibility to wield it? 

SHOW NOTES:

Cautionary Tale:  "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" (podcast - The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill | Podcasts | Christianity Today )

Scripture Reference (Philippians 2):  https://biblehub.com/philippians/2.htm?msclkid=0242772ed00b11ec91810dff7071fec6  

Episode 34 - The Theory of Common Man

Our world is obsessed with "great men" who go to the furthest extremes of human excellence at any cost.  It exalts, celebrates, and otherwise immortalizes this version of "greatness" to the expense of alternatives that might balance that with qualities like character or wisdom.  Think of professional athletes turned political activists; think of billionaires turned medical experts; think of beautiful movie actors turned social influencers.  In other words, we live in an age that dismisses the common man.  

Chad dons a white lab coat and a tinge of sarcastic high-mindedness as the lead for this thought experiment.  Ben sniffs and skitters here and there through the maze of Chad's many machinations, as the two set out to establish a potentially groundbreaking theorem (will the world ever be the same?).  The term "common" carries such a drab connotation - how can we properly reinvigorate its meaning?  What do the wisest teachers in history say about what makes a man "great"?  And what did George Bailey, Tyler Durden, and Montgomery Gentry all intuit about genius of being a common man? 

SHOW NOTES:

Illustration of "Gotheotherwayism" (Seinfeld):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y_6fZGSOQI

Aristotle's Golden Mean:  https://prezi.com/qppf2e4zyjgo/aristotle-the-golden-mean/?frame=3a3e97f0b0fe600f828aae52ba0118741fe695cf

George Bailey's Rant:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4ne13Zft9Q

Scripture Reference (Micah 6:8):  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=micah%206%3A8&version=ESV

Chesterton Quote (it wouldn't hardly be an episode without one):  https://www.azquotes.com/quote/1253754
    

Bonus Convo:  Should a Protestant Do Exodus 90?

As a follow up to Ben's "negotiated" commitment to take on the Exodus 90 challenge, we have an fun, informal conversation about how it went for him.  

Ben shares, and Chad probes:  would Ben say he successfully completed the challenge?  Was there anything he struggled with or didn't like about the program?  What kinds of benefits or perspectives did he gain by engaging in the many disciplines?  Did he grow closer to God during the 90 days?  

In essence, would Ben recommend this to other men - including Protestant men?

SHOW NOTES:

Scripture reference:  Philippians 4:10-12  https://biblehub.com/context/philippians/4-10.htm 

Episode 33 - Father Nathan Cromly, Guest Convo

Father Nathan Cromly is the founder of Eagle Eye Ministries, the Saint John Institute, and the Saint John Leadership Network.  Based out of Denver, Colorado, his ministries seek to form and equip people to become missionary entrepreneurs and leaders.  Father Nathan's teaching & speaking have reached national audiences; he has been featured on the Catholic television channel, EWTN, on such programs as "Life on the Rock" and "Women of Grace".  He also hosts his own popular podcast, "Dare Great Things for Christ."

Chad hefts the battering ram that busts open this interview, while Ben stands watch for any eye-splintering shrapnel that might ensue.  The two co-hosts set the stage and clear the way for Father Nathan to go on his own "Catholic rant" about masculine leadership.   What is the proper way to differentiate male leadership from female leadership, and how can emphasizing those differences create complementarity?  In what ways does the Bible teach us about being wise and good leaders?  How can a man effectively witness to his faith at the workplace in today's cultural climate?    

SHOW NOTES:

Father Nathan's Leadership website:  https://saintjohnleadershipnetwork.org/

Father Nathan's Podcast page:  https://www.daregreatthings.org/
  

Episode 32 - Alcohol - A Tale of 2 L's

Ben again sets his sights on four of the biggest traps men face today, in this the second letter/topic of his "M.A.P.S." series.  Moving on from Money, he goes after the letter "A" for Alcohol.   A subject some guys might like to "crack open" a little too much, while others would rather it not be "raised" at all.  Essential question:  how do we restore alcohol to its proper place on the Christian man's shelf?

Toasting to yet another tough topic, Ben embraces the limelight as the "guy who goes there."  Chad sits back with his cold can of sparkling water and takes in the tale as it's told.  The two soberly access the whole spectrum of viewpoints on alcohol within Christianity.  What does the Bible actually say about drinking?  How can alcohol be "healthy" and how is it often harmful?  In what ways is alcohol like a gun, and where can a man draw a responsible line and find a happy medium with alcohol consumption?     

SHOW NOTES:

G.K. Chesterton quote:  https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/681084-drink-because-you-are-happy-but-never-because-you-are

CDC (Ben's favorite resource) on Alcohol Use:  https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/alcohol.htm

Scripture Reference in Ben's Challenge (Galatians 5:16-21):  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%205%3A16-21&version=ESV

Episode 31 - Women, Step Aside (Men, Step Up)

Over 170 years have passed since the feminist movement began, and its influence on western culture has been far-reaching.  One area in particular that it has affected is the role of men and women within marriage.  On that score, the results of the movement have arguably been unfavorable--for both men and women.  Disentangling ourselves from those negative, often hidden influences on our relationships can be extremely difficult.

Nervously taking the mantle of motivator in this, his most controversial episode to date, Chad tells he and his wife's personal story.  Ben comes along for the ride in his van down by the river, as the two unpack the inherent tension in men and women's roles in modern matrimony.  Can a woman actually "have it all", meaning a fulfilling career AND the joys of being a mother?  What does it mean for a man's leadership in the home if his wife is the breadwinner?  What does it mean for a mother to be the heart of the home, and is a woman more "free", or less "free", when staying at home with children?

SHOW NOTES:

Apropos (definition for Ben) - adjective, meaning "very appropriate to a particular situation"

Book Reference:  "The Case for Patriarchy" by Timothy J. Gordon  https://www.amazon.com/Case-Patriarchy-Timothy-Gordon/dp/1622828402 

Scripture reference:  (Ephesians 5)  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%205&version=NIV 

Study Reference:  "The Paradox of Declining Female Happiness"  https://www.nber.org/papers/w14969 

Episode 30 - MAN TALK EDITION - Guest Hosts, Barry Peel and Andrew Peel

This, the first-ever "Man Talk", is a new format where four men on four mikes take up a controversial "leading question" and have a free-flowing, roundtable discussion.  By the episode's end, each man will have to solidly cast his YES or NO vote.  (Listeners, see below for how you can cast your vote as well!)

Barry and Andrew bring extensive experience to the topic at hand.  As former semi-pro athletes, as fitness competitors and fitness trainers, and as coaches at different levels for various sports, they help Ben and Chad work through the many facets of this question.  Should we accept as the new norm that Sundays and Wednesday nights are fair game for travel teams and school sports?  How can coaches and parents influence a kid's experience of sport, for good or bad?  What are we to make of the politicization of professional sports or the U. of Penn swimmer controversy? 

Do you have a strong opinion on this?  Did we miss a key aspect of the issue in our conversation, or not consider a point for either side of the question?  

Please engage and share your thoughts with us by:

• Emailing us at [email protected]  
• Commenting on our Facebook page at Manhood Restored Podcast      

Episode 29 - Money, Money, Money 

The first installment of a Ben-led, 4-topic series called "M.A.P.S. to Avoid Traps".  Each letter in the acronym MAPS represents four of the biggest traps men face today.  Although you'll have to wait to find out which topic each of the last three letters stand for (Ben thinks he can keep you guessing!), the letter 'M' is for Money!  Essential question:  how do we make money a tool and not a trap?

Ben navigates from behind the wheel/pulpit on a serial rant for this episode, as Chad quietly rides shotgun and seeks intercession for safe travels (Amen?).  The two wander through the winding and tempestuous roads of all things monetary.  When it comes to making money, how much is enough?  How can a man disentangle himself and his family from the sticky cycle of lending, borrowing, and debt?  When it comes to balancing saving for retirement with charitable giving, what is responsible and what is reckless (or is there such a thing?)?

SHOW NOTES:

Scriptural References:

• The Rich Fool - Luke 12: 13-21
• The love of money...I Timothy 6:10
• For where your treasure...Matthew 6:21

Ben's Resources:

• Book:   Your Life...Well Spent: The Eternal Rewards of Investing Yourself and Your Money in Your Family: Russ Crosson, Ron Blue: 9780736946247: Amazon.com: Books
• Website:  Compass | Finances God's Way (compass1.org)

Link to Ben's Practical Tips:          https://manhoodrestored.tv/episode/

Episode 28 - Trump, Tone, and Taming the Tongue

Public discourse in our day is largely influenced by the fear of giving offense.  In an age of social media censorship and "hate speech" policing, it's no wonder we've become so sensitive to what's being said and how someone's saying it.  It's a sensitivity that infects nearly everything - our relationships, our national politics, and even our religious views.  Are we all getting a little too uptight about words and ideas, or should we take still more care when we speak?    

Chad lashes out with his words as lead for this episode while Ben's in support mode, spewing scriptural insights.  The two sit in the tension of Chad's topic and cautiously seesaw back and forth with it.  Was President Trump's rhetoric too raunchy for the Oval Office, or was it just what the country needed?  How does one properly balance on the scriptural tightrope of "speaking the truth in love" without actually losing charity?  When are the appropriate times to be confrontational with strong (masculine) words, and is everyone (or no one) called to do so?        

 SHOW NOTES:

Scriptural references:

• Ephesians 4:15 - "speaking the truth in love..."
• Acts 7: 51 - the stoning of Stephen
• James 3 - Taming the Tongue
• Matthew 12:36-37 - judged for every empty word

Answer Chad's Challenge by:

• Emailing us at [email protected] 
• Commenting on our Facebook page at Manhood Restored Podcast

Episode 27 - Fr. Alexander Witt, Guest Convo (Part 2 of 2)

We're back for round two with Father Witt!  We had enough great conversation with him--in the formal interview, and outside of it(!)--that it justified a second episode.  

Join us again as we finish out our interview with a closing discussion on vocations to the Catholic priesthood:  how to cultivate them in the home and reasons for the current shortage of priests.

And then, about halfway through, we play some "off air" banter with Father Witt about the Catholic and Protestant views on the Eucharist/Communion, along a few manly bloopers!